Mini Goes Topless
Kuala Lumpur, 25 March 2005 – The MINI Convertible made its debut in Malaysia today. At long last, MINI lovers will have the option of going topless in their favourite car. The ragtop is fully automatic, and takes all of 15 seconds to convert from soft-top to open top at the touch of a button. There are no clamps or catches that need to be manually released in advance. A kind of Z-shaped mechanism cleverly folds the top neatly into the rear of the MINI. An additional feature is that the top can be opened partially, somewhat like a ‘sunroof’ for those who do not want the top to be fully lowered.
Sukainah Osman, MINI Manager, BMW Malaysia, said at the unveiling, “The challenge for the engineering team for the MINI Convertible was to add the open air factor to this fun and emotional icon. Their success in this area has made the design of the MINI Convertible not merely functional, but emotional as well; utilizing design principles to bring a fresh new experience to MINI. For example, the steeply raked windscreen and the optimum seating position enjoyed by the driver ensure an unforgettable open air experience when driving with the roof down.”
The two models available, the MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper S Convertible are both powered by proven engines of 1.6 litre capacity. The MINI Cooper S Convertible comes with a supercharger for more grunt. The supercharged engine has an output of 170 bhp at 6000 rpm, and 220 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. The naturally aspirated Cooper, in contrast, has an output of 115 bhp at 6000 rpm and 150 NM of torque at 4500 rpm.
The Cooper is fitted with a Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) while the Cooper S comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. The legendary go-kart type of handling is retained, working well with a very stiff body-shell and independent suspension, automatic stability and traction control (ASC+T) as well as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). In addition there is Cornering Brake Control (CBC), disc brakes on all four wheels, ABS, and EBD. Suffice to say, the MINI Convertible is packed with goodies.
In addition, the MINI also has an integrated safety system comprising of active and passive safety systems, including ‘intelligent’ dual front airbags, and dual side airbags.
MINI fans will be delighted to know that there are ten exciting colours to choose from, enough to suit most people’s individual preferences.
Interior-wise, both the MINI Cooper Convertible and the MINI Cooper S Convertible are fitted with exclusive materials to match its classy exterior. High quality textile materials and surfaces give the interior special harmony and balance. The dashboard and door linings are available in Silver for the MINI Cooper, and Alloy Patina for the MINI Cooper S. The seat upholstery is available in ‘Octagon’ cloth and leather combination for the MINI Cooper while the MINI Cooper S is dressed in ‘Gravity’ leather.
While they were beefing up the performance specs under the hood and in the suspension, the engineers also decided to go whole hog on the rest of the features, making the MNI a very well stacked machine. Standard equipment include Xenon headlights (MINI Cooper S Convertible), a high quality Harmon/Kardon HiFi audio system (MINI Cooper S Convertible), a heated rear window, automatic air conditioning, a wind deflector, light alloy wheels, a multi-function steering wheel, a rain sensor and an interior mirror complete with anti-dazzle function.
The new MINI Convertible will be available from the authorized dealers nationwide beginning 26th March 2005. Retail prices (on-the-road without insurance) for the MINI Cooper Convertible are RM184, 800.00 and RM223, 800.00 for the Mini Cooper S Convertible.
